5 Essential Parenting Books

Someone recently asked me for a list of books that I'd recommend for parenting, and I thought maybe my list would be a blessing to others.

*Note: I am not a professional parent. I hope never to feel like I've gotten to the point where I'm an expert on parenting. My children are always growing - always changing; thus, my role and my knowledge of parenthood is always growing & changing, too! Though God's principles & methods never change, I've not searched all of His wisdom on the subject! I do not have answers for how to raise a perfect child - I can only point you to the One who best knows the heart of each child. I don't have perfect children. They are precious, they are treasured, and most of the time they are pleasant - but they will never be Perfect Children because no such thing exists (...Jesus is clearly the only exception!), and because I will never be a Perfect Parent. In fact, it took me approximately 10 minutes after waking this morning to blow it and respond hastily & sharply to H's ...morning enthusiasm. Bearing that in mind, here are the resources I've found have greatly molded and informed my parenting decisions to this point:

Here are my Most Often-Read Books on Parenting, that I would recommend to everyone:

#1) The Bible. It is a book brimming with sound wisdom on how to parent. It is also a book with some helpful examples of how not to parent. The books of Proverbs & James are two brilliant places to turn when you need to give guidance to a child about the consequences of his/her choices (both good and bad). My life, and the hearts of my daughters, depend upon me reading and following the counsel in this Book daily. I read the NKJV, and teach primarily from the KJV.

 #2) Shepherding a Child's Heart - Tedd Tripp. After the Word of God, this is the book I re-read most often. Tripp looks at biblical & unbiblical goals and methods for the most important aspect of parenting - getting to understand the hearts of our children to help discern their behavior & guide them to a vibrant relationship with the Lord.

#3) Teach Them Diligently - Lou Priolo.

#4) Everyday Talk - John Younts. 

Both of these books are excellent resources, full of encouragement on how to live out the commands of Deuteronomy 6 - to continually instruct our children in the ways, Law, majesty, & grace of God. Priolo's book includes a valuable chart which addresses certain character traits that should be addressed along with appropriate verses!

#5) Creative Correction - Lisa Whelchel. For someone like me who needs practical stories & examples of the "how" of instructing & correcting a child while pointing them to what Scripture says, this book has been helpful! Speaking from experience with her own 3 children, Whelchel gives oodles of suggestions on age-appropriate consequences for all manner of situations. I find that I've not agreed with all of her suggestions, but I think that it's mostly a matter of personality differences and I don't remember coming across any that are unbiblical. She is sensitive to the needs of children with sensory & attention issues in her assessment of how to deal with certain recurring struggles.

Which parenting books are on your 'essential' list?

Raising up my children as faithfully as I'm able by His grace,
for His glory!
~Lisha

PS If you would like to order these books and you're local to New England, I ask you to consider ordering from Morning Star Christian Bookstores - please support locally-owned bookstores!

PPS If you have a question you'd like to ask me about anything - parenting, being a wife, housekeeping, or my thoughts on a particular faith-related topic - whether the questions are specific or general...please click on the Q&A tab and leave it there :)

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